Dragonflying with the Zunis

a Zuni Legend

retold by Cornerstoregoddess

 

Long, long ago, according to an ancient Zuni legend, hard times had fallen on the village. Two of the children awoke to discover that they had been accidentally left behind when their parents and the other villagers abandoned their homes to search for food. To pass the time, the brother made a toy insect out of corn and grasses.  This he gave to his sister, to comfort her.

The next morning, they woke to discover that the toy had come to life.  It danced and hovered and glided through the air.  It was so beautiful that, for a brief time, they were distracted by its shimmering beauty.

By the time night fell, they were sad and lonely once again.  They wished only for the return of their parents and friends.

The live toy was saddened by the children's plight, and he flew to the Land of the Gods.  There he told the gods of the children's fears and wishes.

The gods, in return, sent messages back with the beautiful insect.  They offered comfort to the children, and instructions for their survival.

This insect messenger that traveled between the children and the gods was given the name Dragonfly.

Dragonfly messengers here.